Public warned about fake fire personnel

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Fire Marshal Sr. Supt. Aderson Comar is warning the public about fake inspectors claiming to be from the Cebu City Fire Department and going around various establishments armed with fake inspection orders.

Comar told The FREEMAN he received the disturbing report last week which bothered him. “Tinuod gyud ni siya kay naa naman mi-reklamo,” he said.

He however did not clarify if the said men are members of the city fire department but pointed out that all transactions should be done in their office.

“Do not entertain transactions with Cebu City fire department personnel without the proper Bureau of Fire uniform and with inspection order,” he said.   

“Klaro man kaayo na sila kay mimando man gyud ko kung mag inspection mag-uniform gyud,” he said.   

Comar said he received reports that these fake inspectors use his name and position to further convince the establishment owners they are really affiliated with the bureau.

“Using my name is unauthorized and illegal,” he said.

He added that these men reportedly enter establishments with clear intent to deceive unsuspecting victims by giving them a list of violations which needs to be rectified.

Comar said establishment owners and caretakers are reportedly convinced to “settle” these violations by paying these fake investigators to take care of the problem and settle the violations.

He said that the Bureau of Fire Protection need the public’s help to stop such illicit transactions which has tainted the image of the bureau. (FREEMAN)